Author Topic: Powder horn with brass spout and valve: Safe?  (Read 3531 times)

Offline RonC

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Powder horn with brass spout and valve: Safe?
« on: April 13, 2015, 06:35:18 AM »
I've learned never to load a muzzleloader rifle or pistol directly from a powder horn.

I now have a powder horn with a brass spout and a valve (spring loaded plunger). It works just like the metal powder dispensers used for cap and ball revolvers and even takes the various size spouts for those metal dispensers. Put your finger on the end of the spout, push the spring-loaded plunger while tilting over the horn, close the plunger and pour the powder into the barrel.

Since it is mechanically the same as the metal powder dispensers, I suppose it is as safe to use for a long rifle as it would be for a cap and ball revolver. It may not be period correct, but it certainly would be convenient while target shooting. Am I missing any safety issues?
Thanks,
Ron

Ron

Offline skillman

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Re: Powder horn with brass spout and valve: Safe?
« Reply #1 on: April 13, 2015, 06:39:40 AM »
You should still put powder into a measure and then into the rifle. Bad practice to load directly from the horn or flask.

Steve
Steve Skillman

Horner75

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Re: Powder horn with brass spout and valve: Safe?
« Reply #2 on: April 13, 2015, 07:18:40 AM »
Many M/L clubs will not allow these without using a separate unattached powder measure.  I feel a bit more comfortable with a littler amount of powder pouring down the barrel, than having a grenade over the muzzle.

Offline RonC

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Re: Powder horn with brass spout and valve: Safe?
« Reply #3 on: April 13, 2015, 04:43:03 PM »
Thank you for your recommendations!
I am glad I checked with those more experienced and knowledgeable than I am!
I guess I would call myself an old newbie since I started at this long-rifle and black powder activity only 3 years ago at 65.
Thank goodness for a reserve of knowledge like the ALR!
Ron
Ron

Offline Marcruger

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Re: Powder horn with brass spout and valve: Safe?
« Reply #4 on: April 13, 2015, 05:18:13 PM »
Yes, it is simply not worth the risk. Best wishes, Marc